Grant approved to help those who are mentally ill

Victoria City Council on Tuesday approved a $250,000 grant for the Gulf Bend Center that would allow them to expand their reach and help those who are mentally ill.

Gulf Bend Center, a mental health center whose goal is to help improve the quality of life for those who suffer through mental illness, wants to use the money received to help families of those affected from mental illness. Don Polzin, executive director of the Gulf Bend Center, said the grant will help people.

"This is going to help us provide the necessary care for those who need it," Polzin said. "We appreciate the council's support for our effort."

Victoria mayor Will Armstrong said the grant is something very much needed for the facility.

"Gulf Center has filled the gap," said Armstrong.

The money, which mostly came from community development funds, will help expand the facility, which is slated to open by late 2013.